1st Week of Advent - Watchfulness

The first two weeks of Advent focus on preparation for Jesus’ return at the end of time. The readings for the first Sunday of Advent this year call us to prepare by being awake, attentive, and watchful.

I would suggest that we prepare for Jesus’ return by paying attention to the ways that he shows up in our everyday lives. Fortunately, Ignatian Spirituality has tools to help us nurture our capacity to notice.

St. Ignatius invites us to carve out some time each day to pause and recognize the ways that God has been present. There are many forms of this daily Examen and lots of resources to help with it. My appropriation of the practice follows.

• First, set aside some time. All relationships need time and attention. Our relationship with God is no different. There’s no single “right” time to pray. Some people pray better in the evening, some people find it easier to be attentive in the morning. Ignatius recommended taking some time at midday for this kind of prayer. Some people like to take some time at the end of the workday to reflect. Do what works for you.
• Then, I’d suggest setting aside distractions and give yourself the gift of quiet. Few things derail prayer more efficiently than a phone notification. You might try shutting off your phone for the time of your prayer. People have prayed for many centuries without being immediately available by electronic devices.
• Next, ask for God’s help to see the ways that he’s been present throughout your day. Ignatius suggests going through your day in gratitude. It helps to be as specific as possible. There’s usually a strong correlation between the things for which we are grateful and the ways that God has been present.
• Give yourself some time just to sit with the gifts of the day. Some of them might be surprising. Others might evoke feelings or reactions. You can just savor and enjoy the gifts or reflect a little further on what the gifts evoke in you.

Try to let go of any expectations for the experience. This isn’t the same as rote prayer nor is it sitting quietly waiting for God to give mystical visions or a ten-point plan for your life. Rather it’s a chance to sit in the presence of the one whose love is always greater and to be open and attentive to the daily expressions of that love. It’s a way to nurture and deepen the relationship.

This deliberate practice of noticing in retrospect helps to develop the capacity to notice in the present. It’s a great tool to develop the watchfulness to which the season of Advent calls us.

Advent blessings!

Fr. Ben